Newsletter

Brodrick: A remarkable year for Athens

When 2012 began, you couldn’t blame local residents for being in the dumps when it came to our economic prospects. Budget cuts have buffeted the University of Georgia, our largest economic engine, for the past four years. Uncertainty over federal health care laws loomed over our two medical institutions — Athens’ second- and fourth-largest employers, respectively.

Twelve months later, neither of these situations has changed. But just about everything else has. In fact, 2012 was the most significant year in terms of economic development for Athens and Oconee counties in my lifetime, and perhaps ever. Here’s why:

Caterpillar: On Feb. 17, Athens and Oconee celebrated together as executives from Illinois-based Caterpillar announced a massive manufacturing plant at a site that straddles the border of the two counties. Since then, a swath of pine trees has been transformed into a facility that will provide 1,400 jobs and a more than $200 million investment for the region. The jobs and salaries are game-changers for our region, and we should expect more announcements in the months ahead as the first pieces of CAT equipment will roll off the lines in late 2013.

Ethicon: Noramco, a division of Johnson & Johnson, has always existed quietly in the Athena Industrial Park, generating jobs for locals and pharmaceuticals for customers around the world. In 2014, it will be joined by J&J unit Ethicon, a medical sutures company that is spending $185 million on a new manufacturing facility and expansion of an existing facility. The expansion will add 85 jobs in Athens.

The Shoppes at Epps Bridge: When Frank Bishop announced a major retail project along Epps Bridge Parkway several years ago, it was hard to picture. But now that the Oconee Connector has been extended, providing a direct connection from Mars Hill Road to the retail centers along Epps Bridge Parkway, Bishop and his team have turned on the jets on the project. While tenants beyond a movie theatre are still a mystery, the $76 million, 480,000 square foot project is sure to create a new retail hub and sales tax generator for Oconee County and the region. It remains to be seen what impact the new retail center will have on the 671,000-square-foot Georgia Square Mall and other big box retailers along Atlanta Highway.

Downtown Athens: Not to be outdone by projects on the outskirts of Athens, downtown has proven to be the hub of its own type of activity this year. More than $200 million in projects have been announced in various parts of downtown. The projects include student housing, a brewery, more than 150,000 square feet of retail space, nearly 1,000 total multifamily units, an expansion of the Classic Center, and a new hotel.

Regional projects: While they are not located in Athens or Oconee County, neighboring communities also had significant wins when it came to economic development in 2012. A division of Toyota announced plans to build a $350 million plant in Jackson County in February, adding to the 1,100 jobs the county gained in 2011 alone.

Just 30 minutes south of Watkinsville in Social Circle, Baxter International will open a biotech manufacturing facility that will employ 1,500 highly paid workers. The company anticipates investing $1 billion in the facility over time. Given the quality of life offered in Oconee and Athens-Clarke counties, I would expect many employees from these new facilities to wind up in our communities.

To what do we owe such a spectacular year? Here are a few difference makers:

First and foremost is new leadership at the Capitol in Atlanta. The state is aggressively recruiting major industrial and biotech prospects and has increased its “deal-closing” funds, allowing it to compete on a national stage.

Strong local leadership has also made a difference. Close cooperation between Oconee County Commission Chair Melvin Davis and Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson was evident during the Caterpillar win. Over the past year, Athens’ key economic development entities — the Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Foundation, and the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce — have been housed in the same building, creating stronger communication and synergy.

Lastly, and hardest to define, is quality of life. Remember that economic development prospects don’t pay attention to county lines, and many realize that there is something for every type of potential employee in this region. When considered together, Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties offer a startling combination of lifestyle assets. Top-notch choices of public and private schools. Thriving downtown Athens with its world class arts and music. A top research institution. Pastoral scenery and plenty of sports and outdoor opportunities. A variety of housing options — from historic intown neighborhoods to hobby farms to charming small towns to golf communities — all showcase our renowned natural beauty. If fact, until you leave this area, you don’t appreciate the unmatched lifestyle we all enjoy.

So as 2013 begins, we should be thankful for the leaders — locally, regionally, and at the state level — who helped us secure massive economic gains for our community in 2012, even as we continue to focus on strengthening our success factors in the years ahead.

• Brian Brodrick is the immediate past chairman of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.